K1 Britannia begins extensive restoration programme
K1 Britannia, the exact replica of ‘the King’s Yacht’ commissioned by Prince Albert Edward in the late 1800s, has been successfully lifted into place at the South Boats Service Centre, Venture Quays.
A few days later than expected due to the yacht weighing in 13 tonnes more than anticipated, the mammoth customised cradle has been filled with an important piece of the world’s yachting heritage.
K1 Britannia will be an impressive sight for all boaters frequenting the Medina this season and can be openly viewed from the water at her prominent waterside location in East Cowes. An impressive 38 metres at deck level K1 Britannia will be a welcoming view for sailors alike.
This is somewhat of a homecoming for the yacht that won an incredible 231 races during her life span, with many of the her highest profile racing taking place in the nearby Solent. Her current stint at Cowes will be a total re-birth for what is such an important piece of nautical history.
She will be lovingly re-stored externally and internally by some of the most acclaimed professionals in the field.
Scott Ward, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Britannia Trust, commented on the recent lift:
“K1 Britannia has started her long journey into an important re-birth. This is a significant accomplishment not only for our team but also for global yachting heritage which will benefit greatly from such a fulfilling project. The journey is in the bid for not only seafarers to enjoy her quality and elegance of a bygone era but also for the less privileged individuals to receive the same unique experience that only this Queen of the Seas can bestow upon them”.
For more information please visit www.k1britannia.org